HARDSCAPE · WOODLAND HILLS, CA
Hardscape Contractor in Los Angeles
Driveway pavers, concrete driveway installation, walkways and stone retaining walls built by Rafa Home Builders, with the structural grading, base material compaction and drainage solutions that keep hardscape level for years.
- CSLB License #1150519Class B General Building
- Licensed, Bonded & InsuredLiability + workers’ comp
- Family-Owned & Owner-LedJustin & Elon on every job
- Written Workmanship WarrantyOn qualifying projects
- Financing AvailableThrough Enhancify
BUILT FROM THE BASE UP
Custom Hardscaping in LA That Starts Below the Surface
Hardscape fails from the bottom up. Pavers sink, concrete cracks and walls lean when the soil was not graded correctly, the base was not compacted or water had nowhere to go. The surface you choose matters, but what is underneath decides how long it lasts.
As a hardscape contractor in Woodland Hills, Rafa Home Builders plans structural grading, base material compaction and drainage solutions first, then installs interlocking pavers, concrete, masonry and natural stone veneers. From driveway pavers in the San Fernando Valley to backyard hardscape design and walkway construction, every piece is designed in 3D with the rest of your property.
When your project includes a new or wider driveway approach at the street, or retaining walls that need engineering, we handle those permits too. As a Los Angeles general contractor, we can tie new hardscape into backyard, pool and ADU projects under one contract.
- Structural grading and drainage planned first
- Compacted aggregate base under every surface
- Interlocking pavers, concrete and natural stone
- Driveway and retaining wall permits handled
Quick Answers
Hardscape Quick Answers
Short answers to the questions homeowners ask us most. More detail follows below.
- Who builds the hardscape? Rafa Home Builders, a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1150519) in Woodland Hills, designs and builds it under one contract.
- Pavers or concrete for a driveway? Interlocking pavers can be lifted and reset for repairs and come in many styles. Concrete forms one continuous surface and relies on control joints to manage cracking. We compare both for your driveway.
- Do you offer permeable pavers? Yes. Permeable paver systems let some water soak into the ground instead of running off, and we can discuss whether they suit your site.
- Do I need a permit for a new driveway? In the City of Los Angeles, building a new or modified driveway approach at the curb requires a Class “A” permit from the Bureau of Engineering.
- Do retaining walls need permits? Taller walls, walls holding back a slope or driveway, and walls in hillside areas generally need permits and engineering.
- Can pavers go over existing concrete? Sometimes, if the slab is sound and the added height works at doors and the garage. Often, removing it and building a proper base performs better.
- Where do you work? The San Fernando Valley, including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Tarzana and Porter Ranch.
- How do I get started? Request a free estimate online or call (714) 768-5719 to schedule a site visit.
WHAT WE BUILD
Driveways, Walkways, Walls and Backyard Hardscape Design
01
Driveway Pavers
Interlocking paver driveways built on a compacted base with edge restraints.
02
Concrete Driveway Installation
Poured driveways with proper slope, reinforcement and control joints.
03
Stone Retaining Walls
Walls that level the yard, built with footings and drainage behind them.
04
Walkway Construction
Paths and steps that connect the driveway, entry and yard.
05
Masonry & Natural Stone Veneers
Stone and block work for walls, columns and planters.
06
Drainage Solutions
Slopes, drains and permeable options that move water away.
PROJECT GALLERY
Hardscape, Paver and Wall Projects
HARDSCAPE GUIDE
What Makes Hardscaping Last
The groundwork that keeps driveways, patios and walls level and crack-resistant.
Structural grading
Before any surface goes in, the ground is excavated and graded so finished surfaces slope away from the house and toward drains. Getting the levels right at doors, the garage and the street prevents trip edges and standing water.
Base material compaction
Pavers and concrete sit on an aggregate base that is placed in layers and compacted. A properly compacted base spreads the load from cars and foot traffic and keeps surfaces from settling or shifting.
Interlocking pavers or concrete
Interlocking pavers flex slightly with the ground and can be lifted and reset if repairs are needed. Concrete creates a smooth, continuous surface and uses control joints to guide cracking. Both come in many colors and finishes.
Drainage solutions
Water is the biggest threat to hardscape. We plan slopes, channel drains and permeable paver options so water moves off surfaces and away from your foundation.
Stone retaining walls and masonry
Retaining walls need a solid footing, drainage behind the wall and proper backfill to resist the soil they hold. Taller walls, surcharged walls and walls in hillside areas generally require permits and engineering. We also build masonry and natural stone veneer walls, columns and planters.
Backyard hardscape design and walkways
Walkways, steps and patios connect the driveway, entry and backyard. We design them with the rest of the yard so materials, heights and lighting work together. See backyard remodeling for complete outdoor projects.
See Your Driveway or Patio in 3D First
Book a free site visit. We will measure the area, talk through materials and start your 3D design.
How It Works
Our Hardscape Process, Step by Step
From measurements to the final sweep.
- 01
Site Visit & Measurements
We measure the area, check slopes, drainage and access and talk about how you will use it.
- 02
3D Design & Materials
We design the layout in 3D and help you choose pavers, concrete finishes or stone.
- 03
Permits & Layout
We pull any permits needed and mark out the layout on site.
- 04
Construction
Excavation, grading, base and compaction, installation, edge restraints and cleanup.
- 05
Final Walkthrough
We walk the finished work with you and review care tips and warranty terms.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Hardscape Permits, Costs and Timelines
What to expect before construction starts.
Permits
- City of Los Angeles: a new or modified driveway approach at the curb requires a Bureau of Engineering Class “A” permit.
- Taller or surcharged retaining walls and walls in hillside areas generally need permits and engineering.
- Calabasas has its own department.
- Gated communities such as Hidden Hills may require HOA approval.
What drives cost
- Area size and access
- Demolition and haul-off of existing surfaces
- Grading and base depth
- Pavers, concrete or natural stone
- Walls, steps and drainage
Your free estimate itemizes these choices. Financing is available.
What affects timeline
- Design and material lead times
- Permit review where required
- Weather
- Concrete curing time
You receive a written schedule before work begins.
Service Areas
Hardscape Contractor for Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Tarzana and Porter Ranch
From our office in Woodland Hills, we build driveways, walkways and walls across the San Fernando Valley, from estates in Hidden Hills and Calabasas to homes in Tarzana and Porter Ranch, and take on hardscape projects across LA County and Orange County.
Hardscape service areas include:
- Calabasas
- Hidden Hills
- Tarzana
- Encino
- West Hills
- Canoga Park
- Winnetka
- Reseda
- Chatsworth
- Northridge
- Woodland Hills
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Porter Ranch
- Granada Hills
- Agoura Hills
- Valley Village
- Bell Canyon
- Toluca Lake
- Burbank
Adding a deck or patio cover too? See decks and patios, or call (714) 768-5719.
FAQ
Hardscape FAQs
How much does a paver driveway cost?
Cost depends on the size of the driveway, demolition of the old surface, grading and base depth, the paver style and any drainage or edge work. Rafa Home Builders provides a free, itemized estimate, and financing is available through Enhancify, subject to credit approval.
Are pavers better than concrete for a driveway?
It depends on your priorities. Pavers can be repaired section by section and offer more design options, while concrete is a continuous surface with a lower starting cost in many cases. We compare both for your site.
Can pavers be installed over an existing concrete driveway?
Sometimes, if the slab is sound and the added height works at doors and the garage. In many cases, removing the old concrete and building a proper base gives a longer-lasting result.
How long does a hardscape project take?
It depends on size, demolition, permits, weather and concrete curing time. Your written schedule is set before work begins.
Do I need a permit for a new driveway in Los Angeles?
If the work includes a new or modified driveway approach at the curb, the City of Los Angeles requires a Class “A” permit from the Bureau of Engineering. We confirm what your project needs.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Generally, walls over about four feet, walls holding back a slope or driveway, and walls in hillside areas need permits and engineering. We verify requirements for your property.
Is hardscape work covered by a warranty?
Qualifying projects come with a written workmanship warranty, with the terms spelled out in your project agreement. Products and fixtures may also carry their own manufacturer warranties.
START YOUR HARDSCAPE PROJECT
Ready to Talk With a Hardscape Contractor in Los Angeles?
Tell us about your driveway, walkway or wall. We will schedule a free site visit and walk you through design, permits and pricing.